ASSUMPTION Villa residents have been busy passing their time during the global pandemic, which at a certain point meant they were allowed no visitors.
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Staff at the villa are always trying to keep spirits high among residents, so the COVID-19 lockdown was no different.
"Normal life" was thrown out the window earlier this year when these restrictions were put in place.
This meant staff had to come up with new ways to keep residents happy, content and busy with meaningful activities.
"During this time visitors to the facility were not able to visit internally, so we introduced the idea of 'window visits', which proved popular," villa lifestyle co-ordinator Sue Ryan said.
"Family and friends were booking visits with their loved ones. This meant a lot of our residents were still able to have face-to-face contact with their families."
Technology was also used to connect residents with their families who were further afield.
On a day-to-day basis staff ensured residents had access to mentally-stimulating items, such as word games, sudoku, crosswords, colouring, jigsaw puzzles, cards and more.
This is typically what is offer during "normal times" as well.
Residents were also able to continue to enjoy the benefits of having their weekly hairdresser interaction from lifestyle staff by having their hair washed and set in rollers, as the villa's usual hairdresser was unable to visit during lockdown.
Religious observance was also done a little differently during this time and residents have also been taking part in increased exercise sessions. Group activities such as bingo, carpet bowls, cooking and movies were all able to be maintained at a safe distance.
"A lot of one-on-one time was spent with residents offering conversation and individualised programs," Mrs Ryan said.
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Bus drives are now back, giving residents the chance to get out for a drive.
"Our residents have now been enjoying visits with their loved ones once again, with time restrictions in place on visits to ensure all safety measures are met," Mrs Ryan said.
"Photos of residents with homemade signs saying they are doing okay have also been sent out.
Family and friends were booking visits with their loved ones. This meant a lot of our residents were still able to have face-to-face contact with their families.
- Assumption Villa lifestyle co-ordinator Sue Ryan
"Families are able to book in appointments to visit inside the facility, with window visits and video calls still being offered."
Deputy facility manager Rhonda Pitt has thanked families for their support and understanding throughout this time.
"Staff and residents will continue to be supported through this challenging time," Mrs Ryan said.
"Overall we have endeavored to try and keep life as normal as possible."
